Hey guys, I saw on ESPN today that the Giants are strongly considering buying out the absurd contract of Barry Zito. I was thinkin to myself that that'd be silly, but Buster Olney was saying that he thinks they will and that now is the best time to do so.

Is there any chance the Pirates make an attempt to sign him?

I still like Zito and would love to see him here. He's a better 5th option than all our current guys and is probably better than guys higher in our rotation than that as well. I think he'd come fairly cheap. He did struggle in the second half last season, but cmon it wouldn't hurt.

So happy Spring Training has rolled around! Couldn't have come soon enough! Lets go Bucs!

ps- Love ya Angus 

Hey guys, I havent posted in awhile, but I still check the site numerous times a day. I'm sure you've all missed hearing from me so I decided to put up this article I just read. I thought it was a really cool article, and I think people underrate Veal bigtime. The news of his surgery was one of the many blows to my Pirates psyche last season. I know all anyone wants to talk about on here lately is Lars Anderson (and it makes me laugh everytime), but I figured a pretty sweet article from over at Rum Bunter would be worth your time. Check it out and let me know what you think. Talk to you dudes later. Keep up the good work and everyone have an awesome holiday. Wash your hands before you eat your holiday ham.

http://rumbunter.com/2010/12/16/it-simply-sounds-different/

Hey guys I just wanted to come on and see what you guys thought of the Midsummer Classis this year. I know I'm just a 20 year old punk, but this was the most enjoyable ASG I think I have ever seen. It was fun to watch. The guys played hard, the game was exciting, and the players seemed to genuinely enjoy it.

Jose Valverde instantly became one of my favorite players. He is awesome.

Brian McCann stepped up and ended the streak for the NL with a three-run double. Thank god, because I was getting really tired of the AL domination.

It kind of stunk that Meek didn't get in, but I can't say I expected him to.

The Anaheim crowd was really into it which seemed to rub off on the players, as well as me at home.

I say good work MLB. Thanks for the show.

What'd you guys think?

Ok, I'm sure many of you could have predicted after last nights game I would put up a Lastings-praising post. So here it is.

As you all know I am a huge supporter of Lastings. I wear his shirt to every game, bought my 7 year old brother one as well, and my girlfriend even knows how much I love Lastings. She got me an authentic Milledge jersey yesterday for my birthday. (I knew she would come in handy.)

So lets cut to the chase. Why does everyone act like he's so terrible? He is third on the team in RBI's, he has the second best OBP on the team (behind Cutch), and a .369 SLG. The slugging percentage isn't good, but it isn't the worst either. Everyone makes a big deal that he isn't hitting home runs. He has 15 doubles! That's one behind Jones for the team lead. He's producing at the plate. He's hitting .276. That's 4th on the team behind Cutch and Walker, and only .001 behind GFJ.

He has been good in the field too.

The thing that pisses me off is that he has been shuffled in and out of the lineup for Ryan Church. Church is garbage. I've been to 15 games this season (rocked the Milledge shirt to each, god that thing needs washed..) and I think Milledge has sat in 5 of those games. It's unreal. Each time Church pops up when they announce the lineups I wanna murder the person sitting in front of me (if there is one). Murder might be an overreaction, but throwing John Russell into the center of an old fashioned bukkake might be more appropriate. If Church was crushing the ball, I would still be totally against him playing over Lastings. If you don't think Thrilledge (a nickname I came up with on this site) has much of a future on this team that's fine, but a future as our 4th outfielder is better than none at all. I think he will be a decent player for us for a long time.

Back to the lack of home runs real quick. They will come. This isn't Jeff Clement. He had for 14 home runs in 2008. I would kill for those now, yes, but he is somewhat of a proven commodity so get off it. He's playing just fine.

I don't know. Maybe I'm crazy. They say "love is blind".

Hey guys I'm going to the game in Detroit on Saturday. I was wondering if you guys would be interested in me taking some pictures at the game and kind of documenting the whole thing. It should be interesting. I'll be wearing my Milledge jersey with pride in the front row in left field so that could be pretty fun.

Let me know if you guys would be interested in that. Thanks my dudes.

-Omar

http://www.sbnation.com/2010/5/31/1495026/pittsburgh-pirates-fan-spongebob

I don't know, it is possible that I'm a complete loser, but I actually thought this was kind of funny so I thought I'd share it with all my dudes (and maybe smokin hot chicks) on here. I found it over on the regular SBnation page, which usually doesnt have too much worthwhile to be honest.

I guess it kind of disses the Pirates, but thats ok. Were all immune to that garbage by now so let me know what you think.

Ok guys, I was just wondering where the whole "Hutch McCutch" nickname is from. Outside PNC Park the shirt vendor guy sells shirt that have this nickname on them for McCutchen. I have no clue where this got started or what it means. Can anybody provide a little insight??

Oh and while I'm at it... Lastings should be playing everyday! The guy is gonna be a mainstay here. I love the way he plays. I hate how often he sits. I have no clue what Russell's vendetta is against him, but I'm hopin when Tabata comes up we throw Milledge in right, Tabata in left, and Jones at first.

Hey guys, I know this is way off topic, but I was wondering if any of you have ever been to Motordrome in Smithton, PA. I am a big fan of stock car racing, and wanna check out some local races on a Friday night now that Summer has rolled around. I need somethin to hold me over until I go to Detroit for some Nascar in June (and I'm goin to see the Bucs play the Tigers that Saturday night) . I just wanna know what the environment is like at Motordrome and what races are good to go see. If anyone can give me ANY info it'll be greatly appreciated.

Thanks my friends. Love you all.

Lets Go Bucs.

-Ian

Hey I dont know if it has been said on here before, I apologize if it has been, but I read over on MLB Trade Rumors that the Pirates are one of four teams interested in reliever JJ Putz.

I personally think this would be a great low risk signing by the Pirates. The Iwamura trade leaves us a little dry in the bullpen, and MLBTR says that Putz seems to be willing to take a non-closer role. Plus, its not like Capps is guaranteed to return to form. I know last year wasnt too hot for Putz, but I dont think he would look too shabby in a Pirates uniform next year. What do you guys think?

Wow. So I'm getting ready to go out on a nice Friday night. I check yahoo. What do I read? Yep, as you guessed, Jim Tracy is taking over the managerial duties of the Colorado Rockies on an interim basis.

I am actually not a Jim Tracy hater. I don't think he's the worst manager in MLB history or the anti-christ.

Pittsburgh just wasn't his place I guess.

I wish him the best of luck in Denver. Good luck Jimmy.

Check it out.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=AqOCNVKUDVyCxiOS5P_gsG85nYcB?slug=reu-rockiesmanager&prov=reuters&type=lgns

I hate to post about benching a player, and do not take this as more hate towards Brandon Moss. I personally just think that we should give Delwyn Young a few starts this week in right. He is a solid prospect. He is a good player that was just stuck behind people in LA. The only reason Moss is out there everyday is because management wants him to prove the Bay trade wasn't that bad. I'm not going to get into that trade, but I just don't think Moss belongs in the starting lineup right now. He is a decent player and wouldn't mind him pinch hitting at all, but I want to see Delwyn get some AB's.

Aahhh Opening Day.. The best day of the year. The sun is bright, the grass is trimmed. I predict that this year Paul Maholm is will win the Cy young, Freddy Sanchez the batting title, Nate McLouth will improve on his 2008 season, and Matt Capps will even win the Rolaids Relief Man Award. Were going to not only go .500, but we are going to win the division, the pennant, and then the World Series of course. We are going to average about 30,000 fans per game and nobody is going to care what the promotions are. The Pierogi Race will finally take a backseat to the product on the field. Andrew Cutch is going to come up, pull a Longoria and win the Rookie of the Year. Romulo Sanchez will win the Bobblehead fan vote (to make the dreams of BD come true). Pedro Alvarez will breeze through A and AA, ending his season with Indianapolis and primed for his 2010 debut. Kevin McClatchy will finally come out of the closet (yes, I know for a fact he is homosexual). Derek Bell will pay the Pirates back his entire contract. Of course this is all so far fetched I should be locked up and thrown in Mayview, but it's Opening Day everyone. No matter what happens it's gonna be a fun season. WE WILL.

http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090331&content_id=4093976&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Well that takes Marcus Thames off the list of our possible acquisitions. I think this is a surprising move by the Tigers, given that they owe Sheff 14 million dollars this year and he will make that playing elsewhere. I wouldn't mind seeing the Pirates maybe take a look at Sheff, who says he can still play well as an outfielder. He would be extremely cheap and with 499 career home runs, exciting. What do you guys think?

Hey Nationals fans. Yes I am a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan up in Pittsburgh, but I cannot get enough of the Nationals colors and logo. The W is the best logo in sports. I wear my authentic new era all red Nationals W hat everyday with pride. The simple hat has turned the Nats into my second favorite team and DC is one of my favorite places to visit. Good luck this season and I will keep wearing my hat.

Kinda *** I know but I am obsessed with the Nats logo...

This might be a super random post, but I just wanna know who everyones favorite players are. I am just interested to see what players are popular with the members of this blog. And this is favorite player in the Majors. I have a few players in my head who I think many people love, but I wanna see what you guys have to say.

I will start by saying that my favorite players are...

1. Jose Reyes

2. Pedro Martinez

3. Manny Ramirez

4. Carl Crawford

Those are my 4. In that order.

Since I heard the news that we signed Hinske for 1.5 million, Ive just been thinking how that happened. Of course the economy is affecting the prices of players, but 1.5 million for a guy that hit 20 home runs last year? Thats a good bargain if you ask me. Check this article out. I found it on ESPN. The Twins signed Kubel for 7 million and hes like the same exact player. The Twins are in the position we usually are after another team signs someone. I love it. Good move Bucs.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3866726&name=Neyer_Rob

Star shortstop Michael Young has requested a trade from the Rangers. He is owed 62 million dollars a year for the next 5 years. Thats not a bad price for a player of his caliber. I think it would be a great idea for the Pirates to make a move after Young. Even if we have to give up a few decent prospects and maybe a good big leaguer. He would give us a top tier player for the next 5 season. He can shortstop and second base. He is requesting a trade because the Rangers are forcing him to move to third base and not giving him any choice. Cmon Buccos step up and get this guy if the Rangers are desperate to move him.

I read this article over at Baseball America and I really liked what I read. This is a colorful interview, and he talks about the great Pirate, Mike Fetters!!! I reccomend you all read it. They call him one of the best lefties in the entire Minor Leagues. He sounds impressive as a person as well. Good Article. Lets Go Bucs. And sign please sign Pedro!

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/features/262735.html

So i read over at mltraderumors.com that if the Astros moveed Tejada they would probably have to eat around half over his 13 million dollar contract. We are paying Jack 7 million this year if he isnt moved. Why dont we trade Jack and then use the space to trade for Tejada (who is still a great player)? It would be a huge upgrade and it would spark some serious interest in the Pirates. He is a good player, with a big name, and he still has a few good years left. Even though he may be like 52 years old. I dont know what we have to offer the Astros that they would want, but this is a dream of mine and NH needs to make it happen.

Ok so I have a strange favor to ask of you all. I am trying to get in touch with the real Omar Moreno. I want to send him an email or letter and just get in touch with my favorite old Bucco. If anyone can somehow help me out with this or knows someone or something that may help me with this, please let me know. Thanks.

And by the way... MARK LORETTA. WOOOO HOOOO!

I read this on mlbtraderumors.com and I was kind of surprised, but not all that disappointed, that we werent on this long list of teams interested in Raul Ibanez.

"Tons of teams have expressed some degree of interest in Raul Ibanez: the Mets, Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals, Nationals, Braves, Royals, Rays, Blue Jays, Rangers, Angels, and Mariners.  Some interesting new ones in there."

I would have thought we would have at least inquired about him and I think it hints that we probably arent going to make a run at a guy like Milton Bradley like many of us previous had hoped, but it also could be that the Bucs are just waiting until the free agent list dwindles down and wait for the bargains. Ibanez is 34-36 years old I believe, and he peaked late in his career so we probably wouldnt be getting a high upside guy. I dont mind that we arent pursuing him, but what do you think?

The guy is back people. This weekend I went on Friday and Sunday, and it was the forst time since eaarly last season the crowds went crazy when his name waws announced. The guy is putting up mad numbers and is going to make the all star team. I love Bay. I love winning. I love walkoffs. I love Bay. I am so pumped right now. Soriano dropping that ball was incredible and Bay of course took advantage and dominated the whole Cubs team for the 2353425 straight day. LETS GO BUCS

I personally think this is a guy that we should pick up. He can give us depth at first and in the outfield. You know what you are going to get from him and he would be a good guy to have around a Peirce or McClouth. I would really like the move.

What do you guys think about that? I dont think it could ever hurt us and he can still play. He would also be cheap.

I think the Buccos should pick him up. Sosa could be good off the bench in a Phelps type of role. He would give us a home run threat off the bench that we dont currently have. Im not saying this because he is Sammy Sosa, but I also think it would be something cool for the fans and it would put some people in the seats.            

What do you think?

I personally think that Jason Bay is going to get back on track this season. I think something wasnt right with him this year (injury maybe). I think he is definetly our most dangerous offensive threat and will reclaim that title in 2008.

I think he will hit .280 with 34 home runs and 105 rbis's this season.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

PS- I am pumped for Piratefest!!!!!

The Posts have been very inconsistent. There used to be one everyday and now its like once every 5 days......

I am fed up. Given that the Pirates havent given us much to talk about but we can find something.

Like that the Buccos and Johnny Estrada are still mutually interested in each other or that we dont want Matt Clement even though he wants to be a Pirate.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08003/846267-63.stm

I honestly don't think our offense will be that bad next year. I think that our biggest acquisition this offseason will be the improvement of Adam Laroche from early last year to the present. (whether we get Johnny Estrada haha or not)

The Batting Lineup next year... tell me what you think. The Stats are what I think the players are capable of at their fullest potential.

1. Nate McClouth CF (.270 avg 12 hr)
   
2. Freddy Sanchez 2B (.325 avg 10 hr)
   
3. Xavier Nady RF (.280 avg 25 hr)
   
4. Adam Laroche 1B (.270 avg 30 hr)
   
5. Jason Bay LF (.275 avg 32 hr)
   
6. Jose Bautista (.265 avg 15 hr)
   
7. Jack Wilson SS (.290 avg 10 hr)
   
8. Ronny Paulino C (.270 avg 5 hr)

What Do You Think????